LSU Could Have One of the Best Recruiting Classes Ever
Arguably LSU’s biggest rival–the University of Alabama– has won the last two national championships. One of those, came at the hands of LSU in the 2011 season, where Alabama absolutely embarrassed the then undefeated Tigers 21-0 in New Orleans.
Last season, LSU came into the 2012 campaign with high expectations as well. Fans were expecting this to be a year where LSU would bring the title back to Baton Rouge. LSU inserted first-year starter Zach Mettenberger and had high expectations.
Mettenberger, who has a good arm, showed flashes throughout the season but was too inconsistent. The Bayou Bengals lost three games by a combined 13 points to Florida, Alabama, and Clemson.
As LSU moves forward, one thing is always certain…
Les Miles and company can recruit.
The Tigers have had four Top-5 classes in the last five years according to Rivals.com recruiting class evaluations.
This recruiting season could one of the the best ever. Not just for LSU, but of all-time.
Let’s take a look at how this could potentially happen.
The crop of talent in the state of Louisiana for the class of ’14 is so deep and loaded, it’s scary.
Breaking it down, ESPN has 9 Louisiana prospects in the Top 100 (6 in the top 31), Rivals has 7 Louisiana prospects in the Top 100, 247. sports has 7 Louisiana prospects in the Top 100, and Scout.com has 6 Lousiana prospects in the Top 100.
It all starts with St. Augustine (New Orleans) running back Leonard Fournette. The talented back is the No. 1 overall player ranked on ESPN, No. 1 overall on Scout.com, No. 2 overall on 247sports.com, and No. 3 overall on Rivals.com.
Fournette already has NFL size. He is 6’1 and 230 lbs. He is often compared most to Adrian Peterson and most experts believe he will sign with LSU over Alabama. Head Coach Les Miles purposely didn’t take a running back in the 2013 class and Fournette is well aware that the Tigers desperately want him.
LSU has struggled on the offensive side of the ball, especially in the passing game over the years. They have also lacked play-makers at the wide receiver position. LSU can change that by landing three of the best receivers out there. The good news is, they are all from Louisiana.
Speedy Noil from Edna Karr High School is New Orleans is just what his name implies…he’s fast. Although he doesn’t possess ideal height or size at the position (6’0. 170), he can be electric with the ball in his hands and LSU is in dire need of someone who can score with only one touch.
Next is John Curtis High School standout Malchi Dupre (6’3, 195). Dupre has helped John Curtis win its 25th state championship and No.1 overall ranking in high school football.
Finally, last but not least, D’haquille Williams (6’3, 200). Williams was originally in the 2011 class but was forced to go the JUCO route because of academic issues. He could have the most upside of any of three and most expect to him to be a one-and-done at the college level.
On the defensive side of the ball, Neville High School Safety Laurence Jones (6’2, 2010) and Edna Karr Defensive Gerald Willis III (6’4, 260) will be coveted prospects as well for the Tigers.
Texas native Tony Brown–who is considered to be the top cornerback in this year’s class–is considered to be a LSU-lean and would help continue the Tigers’ further the notion that they are Defensive Back U.
According to Rivals.com, LSU already has five commitments who are ranked in the top 10 in their respective positions.
It is still very early in the process, but keep an eye out on these prospects and time will tell if Les Miles can reel in one of the best classes of all-time.